Gas Turbine Engine Wash System

ABSTRACT

A wash system for a gas turbine engine includes a foam generating device configured for receiving and aerating a flow of wash fluid to generate a flow of foamed wash fluid having particular foam characteristics. The flow of foamed wash fluid passes through a distribution manifold where it is selectively directed through a plurality of wash lines to desired portions of the gas turbine engine. The wash system further includes a controller configured for manipulating the foam characteristics of the flow of foamed wash fluid and using the distribution manifold to selectively direct the flow of foamed wash fluid to desired portions of the gas turbine engine for optimal cleaning and improved engine efficiency.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/472,456,filed on Mar. 29, 2017, titled “GAS TURBINE ENGINE WASH SYSTEM”, whichis herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to a wash system for a gasturbine engine, and a method for operating the same.

BACKGROUND

Typical aircraft propulsion systems include one or more gas turbineengines. For certain propulsion systems, the gas turbine enginesgenerally include a fan and a core arranged in flow communication withone another. Additionally, the core of the gas turbine engine generalincludes, in serial flow order, a compressor section, a combustorsection, a turbine section, and an exhaust section. In operation, air isprovided from the fan to an inlet of the compressor section where one ormore axial compressors progressively compress the air until it reachesthe combustor section. Fuel is mixed with the compressed air and burnedwithin the combustor section to provide combustion gases. The combustiongases are routed from the combustor section to the turbine section. Theflow of combustion gasses through the turbine section drives the turbinesection and is then routed through the exhaust section, e.g., toatmosphere.

During operation, a substantial amount of air is ingested by such gasturbine engines. However, such air may contain foreign particles. Amajority of the foreign particles will follow a gas path through theengine and exit with the exhaust gases. However, at least certain ofthese particles may stick to certain components within the gas turbineengine's gas path, potentially changing aerodynamic properties of theengine and reducing engine performance.

In order to remove such foreign particles from within the gas path ofthe gas turbine engine, water or other fluids may be directed towards aninlet of the gas turbine engine, while the core engine is cranked using,e.g., using a starter motor. However, such cleaning operations are oftennot tailored to the type of cleaning actually needed in a particularportion of the engine. For example, depending on the prior operatingconditions of the gas turbine engine, a quick and simple water wash maybe needed. In other situations, a long wash cycle with a wash foamhaving particular foam characteristics may be needed to properly cleanengine and return it to peak efficiency.

Accordingly, a wash system for providing improved and customizedcleaning of a gas turbine engine would be useful. More particularly, awash system for providing heated and/or pressurized wash fluid havingdesired cleaning characteristics at desired locations within the gasturbine engine would be especially beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular foam cart forwashing a gas turbine engine is provided. The modular foam cart includesa detergent reservoir for storing wash fluid, a pump configured forreceiving a flow of wash fluid and pressurizing the flow of wash fluid,and a foam generating device in fluid communication with the pump, thefoam generating device being configured for aerating the flow of washfluid to generate a flow of foamed wash fluid. A distribution manifoldis in fluid communication with the foam generating device, thedistribution manifold being configured for selectively directing theflow of foamed wash fluid through a plurality of wash lines. Acontroller is in operative communication with the foam generatingdevice, the controller being configured for manipulating one or morefoam quality characteristics of the flow of foamed wash fluid based onone or more operating characteristics of the gas turbine engine.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure a method forcleaning a gas turbine engine using a modular foam cart is provided. Themodular foam cart includes a foam generating device that generates aflow of foamed wash fluid and a distribution manifold for selectivelydirecting the flow of wash fluid to a plurality of wash lines fluidlycoupled to the gas turbine engine. The method includes determining oneor more operating characteristics of the gas turbine engine, determininga set of wash cycle parameters based at least in part on the one or moreoperating characteristics of the gas turbine engine, and selectivelyproviding the flow of foamed wash fluid to the distribution manifold andthrough the plurality of wash lines according to the determined set ofwash cycle parameters.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a washsystem for washing a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbineengine includes a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbinesection, the turbine engine defining a plurality of borescope holeslocated within one or more of the compressor section, the combustorsection, and the turbine section. The gas turbine engine furtherincludes one or more inlet nozzles positioned proximate an engine inlet.The wash system includes a detergent reservoir for storing wash fluidand a distribution manifold providing selective fluid communicationbetween the detergent reservoir and a plurality of wash lines fluidlycoupled to the plurality of borescope holes and the inlet nozzles. Apump is configured for urging a flow of wash fluid from the detergentreservoir through the distribution manifold and at least one of theplurality of wash lines. A controller is in operative communication withthe distribution manifold. The controller is configured for determiningone or more operating characteristics of the gas turbine engine,determining a set of wash cycle parameters based at least in part on theone or more operating characteristics of the gas turbine engine, andselectively providing the flow of wash fluid to the distributionmanifold and through the plurality of wash lines according to thedetermined set of wash cycle parameters.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular foam cart that may containcertain components of an exemplary wash system according to exemplaryembodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the exemplary wash system of FIG. 1 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides another perspective view of the exemplary cart of FIG. 1with several doors of the cart opened to reveal interior components.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a tank module in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as may be incorporatedin the exemplary wash system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 provides a close up perspective view of a pump compartment of theexemplary cart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a wash module in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as may be incorporatedin the exemplary wash system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a distribution manifold in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as may beincorporated in the exemplary wash module of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a wash module in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, operable with a gasturbine engine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the exemplary cart of FIG. 1 withseveral doors of the cart opened to reveal interior components.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of various components of theexemplary wash system of FIG. 1, some or all of which may be housedwithin the exemplary cart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 provides a method of cleaning a gas turbine engine according toan exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical andletter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like orsimilar designations in the drawings and description have been used torefer to like or similar parts of the invention. As used herein, theterms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably todistinguish one component from another and are not intended to signifylocation or importance of the individual components. The terms “forward”and “aft” refer to relative positions within a gas turbine engine, withforward referring to a position closer to an engine inlet and aftreferring to a position closer to an engine nozzle or exhaust. The terms“upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative direction with respectto fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to thedirection from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to thedirection to which the fluid flows.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein identical numerals indicate thesame elements throughout the figures, FIG. 1 provides a modular foamcart 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. As described in detail below, modular foam cart 10 may beconfigured for housing some or all components of a wash system 20 (whichwill be described in more detail below in reference to FIG. 2). Washsystem 20 is generally configured for washing, rinsing, or otherwisecleaning a gas turbine engine, such as a turbofan gas turbine engine(e.g., turbofan 100; see FIG. 8). Additionally, or alternatively,however, the wash system 20 may be utilized with any other suitable gasturbine engine, such as a turboprop engine, a turboshaft engine,turbojet engine, etc.

According to the exemplary illustrated embodiment, wash system 20 isconfigured as a modular system that is housed at least in part on orwithin modular foam cart 10. As illustrated, modular foam cart includesa support frame 12 mounted on a plurality of wheels 14 to improve themobility of the cart and facilitate quick and easy cleaning of turbofan100. In addition, modular foam cart 10 may include a pivoting tug bar 16such that modular foam cart 10 may be towed by a vehicle to a desiredlocation proximate to turbofan 100. In addition, modular foam cart 10can contain various storage compartments 18 for storing all equipmentnecessary for cleaning turbofan 100 and other features for facilitatingthe quick and easy cleaning of turbofan 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, wash system 20 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Morespecifically, FIG. 2 provides a schematic view of wash system 20 and itsvarious cleaning modules in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure. For example, wash system 20 generally includesone or more tank modules 22 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4), a wash module 24(see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6), a foam wash module 26, and a collectionmodule 28 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9 and 10). In general, as will be describedin detail below, tank modules 22 store wash fluid, wash module 24receives and pressurizes the wash fluid, foam wash module 26 processesthe wash liquid to form wash foam, and collection module 28 collectsand/or recycles waste wash fluid.

Each of the various modules are, for the embodiment depicted, operablyconnected to a control system 30. The control system 30 may include oneor more computing device(s) 32. The computing device(s) 32 may includeone or more processor(s) 32A and one or more memory device(s) 32B. Theone or more processor(s) 32A may include any suitable processing device,such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logicdevice, or other suitable processing device. The one or more memorydevice(s) 32B may include one or more computer-readable media,including, but not limited to, non-transitory computer-readable media,RAM, ROM, hard drives, flash drives, or other memory devices.

The one or more memory device(s) 32B may store information accessible bythe one or more processor(s) 32A, including computer-readableinstructions 32C that can be executed by the one or more processor(s)32A. The instructions 32C can be any set of instructions that whenexecuted by the one or more processor(s) 32A, cause the one or moreprocessor(s) 32A to perform operations. The instructions 32C may besoftware written in any suitable programming language or can beimplemented in hardware. In some embodiments, the instructions 32C maybe executed by the one or more processor(s) 32A to cause the one or moreprocessor(s) 32A to perform operations, such as the washing operationsof a gas turbine engine, as described herein, and/or any otheroperations or functions of the one or more computing device(s) 32.Additionally, and/or alternatively, the instructions 32C may be executedin logically and/or virtually separate threads on processor 32A. Thememory device(s) 32B can further store data 32D that can be accessed bythe processors 32A.

The computing device(s) 32 can also include a communications interface32E used to communicate, for example, with the other components of washsystem 20. The communications interface 32E may include any suitablecomponents for interfacing with one more communications network(s),including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers,antennas, or other suitable components. Control system 30 may also becommunication (e.g., via communications interface 32E) with the variousmodules 22, 24, 26, 28, described below, and may selectively operate thewash system 20 in response to user input and feedback from these modules22, 24, 26, 28. More specifically, for the embodiment depicted, thecontrol system 30 is configured to communicate through a wirelesscommunication network 34 through communications interface 32E, such thatthe control system 30 may send or receive information and/or commands toor from the various modules 22, 24, 26, 28 of the exemplary wash system20 wirelessly. It should be appreciated, however, that in otherembodiments, the control system 30 may additionally, or alternatively,use a wired communication bus to communicate with various modules 22,24, 26, 28.

The technology discussed herein makes reference to computer-basedsystems and actions taken by and information sent to and fromcomputer-based systems. It should be appreciated that the inherentflexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety ofpossible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks andfunctionality between and among components. For instance, processesdiscussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device ormultiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory,instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system ordistributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operatesequentially or in parallel. For example, although the exemplary controlsystem 30 is depicted as including a separate computing device 32, incertain embodiments, the computing device 32 may be included within,e.g., one or more of the modules 22, 24, 26, 28, an onboard computingdevice of an aircraft, a controller of a gas turbine engine, etc.

It should be appreciated that modular foam cart 10 and wash system 20 asdescribed herein may allow for a more versatile cleaning system for agas turbine engine, such as turbofan 100. For example, utilizing tankmodules that are interchangeable with a wash module and/or a foam washmodule may allow for extended washing operations, without having torefill a wash tank and wait for the wash liquid in such wash tank toheat up to a desired temperature. Instead, once all of a wash liquidwithin a given tank module has been utilized by the wash system, asecond tank module may be fluidly connected to the wash module to allowfor the washing operations to continue with minimal interruption.Similarly, utilizing a wash module that is interchangeable with, e.g. afoam wash module may allow for multiple wash operations to be completedon a given gas turbine engine without requiring two completely separatewash systems. In addition, according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent subject matter, a power module could be configured for providingcompressed air and/or electrical power, e.g., when wash system 20 isused in a location where such facilities are inconvenient orunavailable.

Additionally, as stated, the exemplary wash system may be controlledthrough a control system in communications with a wireless network.Accordingly, the control system may be operably connected to the variousmodules through a wireless communication network, and further, mayreceive control signals/commands through a wireless communicationnetwork. Such a configuration may allow for an operator located remotelyfrom the wash system, such as an operator within a cockpit of anaircraft, to wirelessly control certain aspects of the wash system.

It should be appreciated, that as used herein the term “fluid,” “washfluid,” “wash liquid,” and the like may refer to any suitable fluid forperforming washing operations and/or rinsing the gas turbine engine.Such wash fluid is typically made up of water that may include otheradditives such as detergent or other treatments. For example, the washfluid may refer to water, or a combination of water and detergent, soap,and/or other additives. Moreover, wash system 20 is not limited toutilizing water or any particular detergent as a wash fluid. Instead,wash system 20 may utilize any suitable wash liquid for performingdesired washing operations of the gas turbine engine.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, tank module 22 will bedescribed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. More specifically, FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of tankmodule 22 as it may be contained within modular foam cart 10 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 4provides a schematic view of tank module 22 in accordance with anexemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The exemplary tank module 22may be utilized with the exemplary wash system 20 described above withreference to FIG. 1 or within any other suitable wash system.

As is depicted the exemplary tank module 22 includes a detergentreservoir such as a wash tank 36 for containing a wash fluid, or rathera wash liquid. The wash tank 36 further defines an outlet 38. The outlet38 of the wash tank 36 is fluidly connected to a quick releaseconnection 40, allowing for the wash tank 36 to be quickly, easily, andreversibly fluidly connected to, e.g., a wash module 24 or a foam washmodule 26 of a wash system 20.

Moreover, the exemplary tank module 22 includes a heater 42 in thermalcommunication with the wash liquid within the wash tank 36. The heater42 for the embodiment depicted is an electric resistance heaterelectrically connected to a power source 44. The power source 44 may bea battery, or any other suitable power source 44. It should beappreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the heater 42 may beconfigured in any other suitable manner (i.e., as any other suitablekind of heater) for heating the wash liquid within the wash tank 36. Forexample, according to another embodiment, tank module 22 may include anin-line heater that provides on-demand heating of a fluid passingthrough the heater. Such on-demand heating reduces the preparation timerequired for conventional wash operations compared to systems thatrequire preheating of the wash fluid, e.g., within a heated storagetank.

The tank module 22 further includes one or more sensors. The sensors mayinclude a temperature sensor 46 for sensing a temperature of the washliquid within the wash tank 36, a water level sensor 48, and a pressuresensor 49. Additionally, for the embodiment depicted, the tank module 22includes a pump 50 for pumping wash liquid into the wash tank 36 whenconnected with a liquid source (such as a hose, faucet, or a liquidstorage container). The tank module 22 further includes a controller 52operably connected to the power source 44 and heater 42, the sensors 46,48, 49 and the pump 50. The controller 52 may configured similar to thecomputing device 32 of the control system 30, and may be incommunication with the control system 30 of the wash system 20 through,e.g., a wireless communication network 34.

It should be appreciated, however, that the exemplary tank module 22depicted is provided by way of example only, and that in other exemplaryembodiments, the tank module 22 may be configured in any other suitablemanner. For example, in other embodiments, the tank module 22 mayinclude features not described herein, or alternatively, may not includeone or more of the features described herein.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, wash module 24 will bedescribed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. More specifically, FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of washmodule 24 as it may be contained within modular foam cart 10 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 6provides a schematic view of the wash module 24 in accordance with anexemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The exemplary wash module 24of FIGS. 5 and 6 may, in certain exemplary embodiments, be utilized withthe exemplary wash system 20 described above with reference to FIG. 1.However, it should be appreciated, that in other embodiments the washmodule 24 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 may instead beutilized with any other suitable wash system 20, such as a single,integrated wash system.

As illustrated, the wash module 24 generally includes a pump 54, anddistribution manifold 56, and a plurality of wash lines 58. Morespecifically the pump 54 is configured to receive a flow of wash liquidand pressurize the flow of wash liquid. The pump 54 is configured to bereleasably fluidly connected to an outlet 38 of a wash tank 36 of a washtank module 22. For example, for the embodiment depicted, the washmodule 24 includes a fluid connection line 60, with the fluid connectionline 60 configured to be releasably fluidly connected to an outlet 38 ofa wash tank 36 of a wash tank module 22. For example, when utilized withthe exemplary wash tank module 22 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid connectionline of the wash module 24 may be releasably fluidly connected to theoutlet 38 through quick release connection 40.

Although not depicted, the pump 54 may include a variable frequencydrive motor, such that it may operate at various power levels. However,in other embodiments, any other suitable pump may be utilized, includingany other suitable type of motor (such as a constant frequency motor).Additionally, as shown, the pump 54 is electrically connected to a powersource 62, which may be a battery, or any other suitable power source.The power source 62 may provide the pump 54 with a necessary amount ofelectrical power to pressurize the wash liquid received to a desiredpressure.

An outlet 64 of the pump 54 is fluidly connected to a duct 66 extendingto the distribution manifold 56, such that the distribution manifold 56is fluidly connected to the pump 54 for receiving a flow of pressurizedwash liquid from the pump 54. For the embodiment depicted, upstream ofthe distribution manifold 56, the wash module 24 includes a sensor 68for, e.g., sensing a temperature and or pressure, and a valve 70. Thevalve 70, for the embodiment depicted, is positioned in the duct 66 andmovable between an open position allowing full flow of wash liquidthrough the duct 66 and a closed position, preventing any flow of washliquid through the duct 66. In certain exemplary embodiments, the valve70 may be a variable throughput valve movable between various positionsbetween the open position and the closed position to allow a desiredamount of wash liquid through the duct 66.

Referring still to FIGS. 5 and 6, for the embodiment depicted, thedistribution manifold 56 is configured to receive a flow of wash liquidfrom the duct 66 (i.e., a flow of pressurized wash liquid from the pump54), and distribute such flow of wash liquid to the plurality of washlines 58. The distribution manifold 56 may be operably connected to acontroller 72 of the wash module 24. Notably, the controller 72 mayfurther be operably connected to various other components of the washmodule 24. Specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the controller 72is operably connected to the power source 62, the pump 54, the sensor68, and the valve 70, in addition to the distribution manifold 56. Thecontroller 72 may be configured similar to the computing device 32 ofthe control system 30, and may be in communication with the controlsystem 30 of the wash system 20 through, e.g., a wireless communicationnetwork 34. For example, as will be described in greater detail below,the controller 72 may be configured to control a flow of pressurizedwash liquid to the plurality of wash lines 58 through the distributionmanifold 56.

Moreover, as is depicted, the plurality of wash lines 58 are fluidlyconnected to the distribution manifold 56 for receiving at least aportion of the pressurized wash liquid therefrom. Although for theembodiment depicted, the distribution manifold 56 is fluidly connectedto four (4) wash lines 58, in other embodiments, the wash module 24 ofthe wash system 20 may instead include any other suitable number of washlines 58 fluidly connected to the distribution manifold 56. As will beappreciated from the description below, the distribution manifold 56 maybe configured, in certain embodiments, to distribute the flow ofpressurized wash liquid in a fixed manner. For example, the distributionmanifold 56 may be configured to split the flow of pressurized washliquid substantially evenly between each of the plurality of wash lines58 fluidly connected thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, thedistribution manifold 56 may be configured to split the flow ofpressurized wash liquid in an uneven manner between the plurality ofwash lines 58 fluidly connected thereto (i.e., distributing more washliquid to certain wash lines 58 than others). In still other exemplaryembodiments, the distribution manifold 56 may be configured to vary adistribution of the flow of the pressurized wash liquid between thevarious wash lines 58 according to, e.g., individual spray schedules forthe various wash lines 58.

For example, referring now to FIG. 7, a wash system 20, or moreparticularly, a wash module 24 including a distribution manifold 56, inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosureis depicted. As with the embodiment of FIG. 6, the exemplarydistribution manifold 56 is fluidly connected to the pump 54 of the washmodule 24 via a duct 66. Additionally, as is discussed in greater detailbelow, the wash module 24 further includes a plurality of spray nozzles74, with each spray nozzle 74 attached to a respective wash line 58.Each of the plurality of spray nozzles 74 includes an attachment portion76 for attachment to a respective borescope hole in a gas turbineengine, providing a substantially air-tight and water-tight connectionto a borescope hole (see, e.g., borescope hole 146 in FIG. 8).

Furthermore, the exemplary distribution manifold 56 is configured tovary a distribution of the flow of pressurized wash liquid between thevarious wash lines 58. Specifically, the distribution manifold 56includes a plurality of valves 78, with each of the plurality of valves78 fluidly connecting a respective wash line 58 to the pump 54. Each ofthe valves 78 may be a variable throughput valve movable between a fullyopen position allowing complete flow of pressurized wash liquidtherethrough, a fully closed position allowing no flow of pressurizedliquid therethrough, as well as a variety of positions therebetween. Forexample, one or more of the variable throughput valves 78 may beconfigured as solenoid valves, or solenoid activated valves, oralternatively as ratio regulation valves.

Moreover, for the embodiment depicted each of the plurality of valves 78is individually operably connected to the controller 72, such that theplurality of valves 78 are operable independently of one another.Accordingly, the controller 72 may control the plurality of valves 78such that each operates according to its own unique flow schedule (e.g.,flow rate, pressure, duration, etc.).

In addition to the plurality of valves 78, the distribution manifold 56further includes a plurality of flow meters 80, wherein each flow meter80 is in fluid communication with a wash line 58 of the plurality ofwash lines 58 to measure a flowrate of the pressurized wash liquidflowing therethrough. More specifically, for the embodiment depicted,the distribution manifold 56 includes a flow meter 80 downstream fromeach of the valves 78, for measuring a flowrate of wash liquid flowingto (and through) each wash line 58. However, in other embodiments, oneor more of the flow meters 80 may instead be positioned upstream of arespective valve 78, or at any other suitable location.

As with the plurality of valves 78, each of the flow meters 80 isoperably connected to the controller 72, such that the controller 72 mayreceive information indicative of a flowrate of wash liquid through eachwash line 58 from the respective flow meters 80. The controller 72 mayutilize such information in controlling one or more of the plurality ofvalves 78. For example, the controller 72 may operate on a feedback loopto ensure wash liquid is flowing to and through a particular wash line58 at a desired flow rate.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic view of a wash module 24 of a washsystem 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure is depicted, being utilized in washing operations of a gasturbine engine. In certain exemplary embodiments, the wash module 24 ofFIG. 8 may be configured in substantially the same manner as exemplarywash module 24 utilized in the exemplary wash system 20 of FIG. 1. Forexample, the exemplary wash module 24 generally includes a pump 54, adistribution manifold 56 fluidly connected to the pump 54 for receivinga flow of pressurized wash fluid therefrom, and a plurality of washlines 58 fluidly connected to the distribution manifold 56.

As stated, the exemplary wash module 24 is being utilized in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 8 in washing operations of a gas turbineengine, also depicted schematically. The exemplary gas turbine enginedepicted is configured as a high bypass turbofan engine, referred toherein as “turbofan 100.” As is depicted, the exemplary turbofan 100defines an axial direction A (extending parallel to a longitudinalcenterline 101 provided for reference), a radial direction R, and acircumferential direction C (extending about the axial direction A).Additionally, the turbofan 100 includes a fan section 102 and a turbineengine 104 disposed downstream from the fan section 102. The exemplaryturbine engine 104 depicted generally includes a substantially tubularouter casing 106 that defines an annular inlet 108. The outer casing 106encases, in serial flow relationship, a compressor section including asecond, booster or low pressure (LP) compressor 110 and a first, highpressure (HP) compressor 112; a combustor section 114; a turbine sectionincluding a first, high pressure (HP) turbine 116 and a second, lowpressure (LP) turbine 118; and a jet exhaust nozzle section 120. Thecompressor section, combustor section 114, and turbine section togetherdefine a core air flowpath 121 extending from the annular inlet 108through the LP compressor 110, HP compressor 112, combustor section 114,HP turbine 116 section 116, LP turbine section 118 and jet nozzleexhaust section 120. A first, high pressure (HP) shaft or spool 122drivingly connects the HP turbine 116 to the HP compressor 112. Asecond, low pressure (LP) shaft or spool 124 drivingly connects the LPturbine 118 to the LP compressor 110.

For the embodiment depicted, the fan section 102 includes a fan 126having a plurality of fan blades 128 coupled to a disk 130 in a spacedapart manner. As depicted, the fan blades 128 extend outwardly from disk130 generally along the radial direction R. In certain exemplaryaspects, the fan 126 may be a variable pitch fan, such that each of theplurality of fan blades 128 are rotatable relative to the disk about apitch axis, by virtue of the plurality of fan blades being operativelycoupled to an actuation member.

Referring still to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the disk 130 iscovered by rotatable front hub 136 aerodynamically contoured to promotean airflow through the plurality of fan blades 128. Additionally, theexemplary fan section 102 includes an annular fan casing or outernacelle 138 that circumferentially surrounds the fan 126 and/or at leasta portion of the turbine engine 104. The nacelle 138 is supportedrelative to the turbine engine 104 by a plurality ofcircumferentially-spaced outlet guide vanes 140. A downstream section142 of the nacelle 138 extends over an outer portion of the turbineengine 104 so as to define a bypass airflow passage 144 therebetween.

Referring still to FIG. 8, the fan blades 128, disk 130, and front hub136 are together rotatable about the longitudinal axis 101 directly bythe LP spool 124. Accordingly, for the embodiment depicted, the turbofanengine 100 may be referred to as a “direct drive” turbofan engine.However, in other embodiments, the turbofan engine 100 may additionallyinclude a reduction gearbox for driving the fan 126 at a reducedrotational speed relative to the LP spool 124.

Throughout the turbofan engine 100, the turbine engine 104 defines aplurality of borescope holes 146. Specifically, for the embodimentdepicted, the turbine engine 104 includes one or more borescope holes146 defined in the compressor section, in the combustor section 114, andin the turbine section. More specifically, still, for the embodimentdepicted, the turbine engine 104 includes one or more borescope holes146 defined in the LP compressor 110, the HP compressor 112, acombustion chamber of the combustor section 114, the HP turbine 116, andthe LP turbine 118. The borescope holes 146 may allow for inspection ofthe turbine engine 104 between operations, and more specifically, mayopen into the core air flowpath 121 of the turbofan engine 100 to allowfor inspection of, e.g., one or more blades, nozzles, or combustionliners of the turbofan engine 100 between operations. By contrast,during normal operations, the borescope holes 146 within the combustorsection 114 and turbine section may be plugged with a borescope plug(not shown), such that the borescope holes 146 do not affect operationof the turbofan engine 100.

Moreover, as previously stated, the exemplary turbofan engine 100 isdepicted schematically as being cleaned by the wash module 24 of thewash system 20. More specifically, the wash module 24 of the wash system20 further includes a plurality of spray nozzles 74, each of theplurality of spray nozzles 74 attached to a respective wash line 58 andconfigured for extending at least partially into or through one of theborescope holes 146 of the turbofan engine 100 for providing at least aportion of the flow of the pressurized wash liquid to the turbofanengine 100. More specifically, the plurality of spray nozzles 74 mayprovide at least a portion of the flow of pressurized wash liquiddirectly to the core air flowpath 121 of the turbine engine 104, at alocation downstream from the inlet 108. It should be appreciated, thatin certain embodiments, the plurality of spray nozzles 74 may extend atleast partially into or through borescope holes 146 of the turbofanengine 100 at locations spaced along, e.g., the circumferentialdirection C of the turbofan engine 100. Such a configuration may allowfor a more even cleaning of the turbofan engine 100, or rather of theturbine engine 104, during such wash operations.

Referring still to FIG. 8, for the embodiment depicted, the pluralityspray nozzles 74 includes a compressor spray nozzle 74A for extending atleast partially into or through one of the borescope holes 146 definedin the compressor section of the turbofan engine 100, as well as aturbine spray nozzle 74B for extending at least partially into orthrough one of the borescope holes 146 defined in the turbine section ofthe turbofan engine 100. Further, for the embodiment depicted, theplurality spray nozzles 74 includes a combustor section spray nozzle 74Cfor extending at least partially into or through one of the borescopeholes 146 defined in a combustion chamber of the combustor section 114of the gas turbine engine.

More specifically, for the embodiment depicted, the compressor spraynozzle 74A includes a plurality of compressor spray nozzles 74A (a firstplurality of spray nozzles 74 positioned within borescope holes 146 in afirst region of the turbofan engine 100), with at least one spray nozzle74A extending into or through a borescope hole 146 defined in the LPcompressor 110 and at least one spray nozzle 74A extending into orthrough a borescope hole 146 defined in the HP compressor 112. Further,for the embodiment depicted, the turbine spray nozzle 74B includes aplurality of turbine spray nozzles 74B (a second plurality of spraynozzles 74 positioned within borescope holes 146 in a second region ofthe turbofan engine 100), with at least one spray nozzle 74B extendinginto or through a borescope hole 146 defined in the HP turbine 116 andat least one spray nozzle 74B extending into or through a borescope hole146 defined in the LP turbine 118.

Additionally, the exemplary wash module 24 further includes an inletnozzle assembly 82 fluidly connected to one or more of the plurality ofwash lines 58 for providing at least a portion of the flow ofpressurized wash liquid to the turbofan engine 100, or rather to theturbine engine 104, through the inlet 108 of the turbine engine 104. Asis depicted, the inlet nozzle assembly 82 includes one or more inletnozzles 84 positioned proximate the inlet 108 to the turbine engine 104to spray wash liquid directly into and through the inlet 108 of theturbine engine 104. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the inletnozzle assembly 82 may instead be located at least partially forward ofthe fan 126.

Referring still to FIG. 8, as noted above, the exemplary turbofan engine100 includes the outer nacelle 138 which defines the bypass passage 144with the turbine engine 104. For the embodiment depicted, the pluralityof wash lines 58 extend from an aft end of the turbine engine 104,through the bypass passage 144 to each of the respective plurality ofborescope holes 146, and to the inlet 108 for the inlet nozzle assembly82. With such a configuration, the wash system 20 may operate withouthaving to remove one or more portions of the fan section 102. Morespecifically, a wash system having such a configuration may allow forconducting washing operations (i.e., providing pressurized wash liquidthrough the plurality of wash lines and wash nozzles), while allowingfor the turbofan engine to be cranked or rotated using, e.g., a startermotor or turning tool 172 (see FIG. 10), to increase in effectiveness ofthe washing operations. In addition, a controller, such as a systemcontroller or controller 52, can automatically control the speed of theengine core rotation to improve cleaning performance or to preventunwanted wash fluid intrusion into internal engine air circuits or otherpassageways. Moreover, such a controller can be configured formonitoring motor torque, e.g., to protect gearbox components.

Utilizing a wash system in accordance with one or more of the exemplaryembodiments described herein may allow for more efficient cleaning ofthe gas turbine engine. More specifically, by providing a wash liquiddirectly to a core air flowpath of the turbine engine of the gas turbineengine may allow the wash system to provide such portions with heatedand pressurized wash liquid. By contrast to prior configurations, inwhich wash liquid is provided solely at an inlet to the turbine engine(in which case such wash liquid may be neither pressurized nor heated bythe time it reaches e.g., a turbine section), providing wash liquiddirectly to e.g., a turbine section of the turbine engine may allow thewash system to provide heated and pressurized wash liquid to suchsection. Additionally, embodiments including the individual valvesfluidly connecting wash lines to a pump in a distribution manifold mayallow for relatively precise cleaning of the gas turbine engine and/ortargeted cleaning of a gas turbine engine. Moreover, the duration of thecleaning cycle may be adjusted, the density of the cleansing foam may bealtered, and other adjustments to the cleaning cycle may be adjusted toimprove cleaning efficiency.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, collection module 28 will be describedaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Morespecifically, FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of collection module 28as it may be contained within modular foam cart 10 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 10 provides aschematic view of wash system 20 including one exemplary configurationfor collection module 28. It should be appreciated that collectionmodule 28 as described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 may be utilizedwith wash system 20 or any other suitable wash system.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, a foam unit, such as foam wash module 26 isconfigured for receiving a flow of wash fluid (as indicated by arrow150) from tank module 22, or more specifically, from tank 36. Inaddition, foam wash module 26 is configured for receiving a stream ofair (as indicated by arrow 152) and for generating a flow of foamed washfluid (as indicated by arrow 154). More specifically, foam wash module26 includes a foam generating device 160 having an inlet manifold 162and an outlet manifold 164. In this regard, a pump such as pump 54 ofwash module 24 may urge the flow of wash fluid 150 from tank 36 throughinlet manifold 162. Simultaneously, the stream of air 152 may besupplied to foam generating device 160 through inlet manifold 162, e.g.,from an external pump or air compressor, from a centralized compressedair source (such as shop air 170), or from any other suitable source.

Foam generating device 160 is generally configured for mixing the flowof wash fluid 150 and the stream of air 152 to aerate the wash fluid andgenerate the flow of foamed wash fluid 154. In this regard, for example,the flow of foamed wash fluid 154 includes wash fluid with a desiredfoam density, or the ratio of air to fluid. The foam may becharacterized according to different properties as well. For example,foam generating device 160 may be configured for achieving a specificbubble distribution, foam viscosity, etc. The foam characteristics maybe manipulated by adjusting a temperature or a flow rate of either theflow of wash fluid 150 or the stream of air 152 into the foam generatingdevice 160. Alternatively, mechanical means may be used to agitate theflow of wash fluid and generate more bubbles and thus lower foamdensity. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, a foaming oraeration system may include three porous aeration devices through whichthe flow of wash fluid is passed. The porous aeration devices arefluidly coupled in series such that the flow of wash fluid passessuccessively through each aeration device and the bubble size isprogressively refined and/or decreased. It should be appreciated thatother aeration devices and configurations are possible and within thescope of the present subject matter.

The flow of foamed wash fluid 154 is then passed to the engine forcleaning, e.g., through wash lines 58 and spray nozzles 74 intoborescope holes 146 of turbofan 100. According to the illustratedembodiment, outlet manifold 164 can include distribution manifold 56 forselectively distributing the flow of foamed wash fluid 154 through oneor more of the plurality of wash lines 58 (only one wash line 58 isillustrated in FIG. 10 for clarity). However, according to alternativeembodiments, distribution manifold 56 may be positioned at any suitablelocation downstream of foam generating device 160.

Wash system 20 may further include a foam sensing device 166 configuredfor measuring one or more of the foam characteristics described above.According to the illustrated embodiment, foam sensing device 166 ispositioned downstream of outlet manifold 164. However, it should beappreciated that foam sensing device 166 may be positioned at anysuitable location, e.g., proximate to or upstream of a distributionmanifold 56. Foam sensing device 166 may be configured for measuring thevolume and/or weight of the flow of foamed wash fluid 154 to determineits density, may include optical sensors for detecting air bubble sizeand distribution, or may measure foam characteristics in any othersuitable manner.

The flow of foamed wash fluid 154 is supplied to turbofan engine 100through outlet manifold 164. More specifically, the flow of foamed washfluid 154 is selectively directed to one or more of the borescope holes146 of turbofan engine 100, in a manner described above. Shop air 170can be configured for operating an engine turning tool 172, for example,which rotates HP spool 122 and LP spool 124 to distribute the flow offoamed wash fluid 154 and assist with the cleaning process. An apron 174may be used to collect foam and wash fluid after it passes from turbofanengine 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, apron 174 is a tarpthat is positioned underneath turbofan engine. Apron 174 collects theused wash fluid which is returned to collection module 28 for discharge,filtering, and/or reuse. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10,collection module 28 is positioned within modular foam cart 10, butcollection module 28 could be stored separately.

According to the illustrated embodiment, collection module 28 includes ascavenge pump 180 configured for drawing waste fluid from apron 174 andurging it through one or more filters 182. Filters 182 may be configuredfor remove, dirt, grime, and other effluent from the waste fluid. Afterfilters 182 remove such effluent, the wash fluid may pass back intoturbofan engine 100 for additional cleaning or back into tank 36 forfuture reuse. In addition, as illustrated, a bypass line 184 may routewaste water directly to one or more waste containers 186 (directlythrough or bypassing filters 182). It should be appreciated that FIG. 10illustrates one exemplary configuration of modular foam cart 10 and washsystem 20 for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subjectmatter. It should be appreciated that variations and modifications maybe made to such systems while remaining within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a method 200 for washing a turbine engine isprovided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subjectmatter. In at least certain exemplary aspects, the method 200 may beutilized with one or more of modular foam cart 10, wash system 20,and/or wash module 24 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through10. Moreover, in certain exemplary aspects, the method 200 may beutilized for washing a turbine engine configured in a manner similar tothe exemplary turbofan 100 and turbine engine 104 described above withreference to e.g., FIG. 8. Accordingly, the turbine engine may include acompressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section. Further,the turbine engine may define a plurality borescope holes located withinone or more of the compressor section, combustor section, and turbinesection.

Method 200 includes, at step 210, determining one or more operatingcharacteristics of a gas turbine engine. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the operating characteristics of the gas turbine engine maybe determined using any suitable sensors, operator feedback, etc. Dataindicative of such operating characteristics may be communicated to andfrom a control system of a wash system (such as wash system 20 ofmodular foam cart 10) to assist in determining an appropriate and/oroptimal cleaning cycle/schedule for the gas turbine engine.

As using herein, “operating characteristics” of an engine include anydata related the operation of the engine which may have an effect on itsfuture operation or on the desired type or duration of cleaning needed.For example, the one or more operating characteristics of the gasturbine engine may include a model number of the gas turbine enginewhich may be used by a control system or a networked database fordetermining a desired schedule or type of cleaning based on prior dataassociated with similar engines.

In addition the operating characteristics may include informationrelated to the operating conditions, statuses, faults, or otherinformation specific to the operation of the engine being cleaned. Forexample, a flight history of the gas turbine engine, including theflight environment, contaminant exposure, flight altitude, and enginespeeds may be useful in determining the most appropriate wash cycleparameters. In addition, the operating characteristics may include acleaning history of the gas turbine engine which may be useful indetermining the desired type and timing of a future cleaning. It shouldbe appreciated that the exemplary operating characteristics describedabove are used only for explaining aspects of the present subject matterand are not intended to be limiting.

Method 200 further includes, at step 220, determining a set of washcycle parameters based at least in part on the one or more operatingcharacteristics of the gas turbine engine. As used herein, “wash cycleparameters” may refer to the type of wash cycle performed, the type ofwash fluid used, or any other parameter that may be used to adjust theeffectiveness of the wash cycle. For example, the wash cycle parametersmay include a magnitude, a velocity, a pressure, a temperature, and aspray duration of the flow of foamed wash fluid. According to anexemplary embodiment, the wash cycle parameters may further include timedelays during the wash cycle. For example, a wash cycle parameter mayinclude a time delay after rinsing an engine with water or wash fluid,e.g., to let the water or wash fluid soak or saturate a region of theengine, to allow the detergent to break down dirt or grime, etc.

In this regard, for example, the operating characteristics determinedabove may be used by a control system, a human operator, an externaldatabase, or any other suitable source for determining the preferredmethod of cleaning the gas turbine engine. In this regard, for example,cleaning cycles may be tailored to the specific cleaning needs of theengine. For example, if the engine was cleaned recently and has limitedcontaminant build-up, a quick water wash may be the most efficientcleaning procedure to reduce cleaning time, detergent usage, energyusage, etc. By contrast, if the gas turbine engine is very soiled due toa particular type of contaminant exposure during a previous flight, alonger wash cycle directed to a particular portion of the engine using afoamed wash fluid having a particular density may be optimal.

As used herein, “foam quality characteristics” may include any qualityof a flow of foamed wash fluid that may affect its cleaning ability in aparticular situation. For example, foam quality characteristics mayinclude the density of a flow of foamed wash fluid or its bubblevariation and/or distribution. In addition, foam quality characteristicsmay include the ratio of liquid water to wash liquid mixed within agiven flow of foamed wash fluid.

Method 200 further includes, at step 230, selectively providing a flowof foamed wash fluid to a distribution manifold and through a pluralityof wash lines according to the determined set of wash cycle parameters.In this manner, the desired cleaning cycle may be performed on the gasturbine engine to address the particular conditions being experienced bythe gas turbine engine. In this manner, cleaning efficiency is improved,engine downtime is reduced, and engine efficiency is optimized.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular foam cart for washing a gas turbineengine, the modular foam cart comprising: a detergent reservoir forstoring wash fluid; a pump configured for receiving a flow of wash fluidand pressurizing the flow of wash fluid; a foam generating device influid communication with the pump, the foam generating device beingconfigured for aerating the flow of wash fluid to generate a flow offoamed wash fluid; a distribution manifold in fluid communication withthe foam generating device, the distribution manifold being configuredfor selectively directing the flow of foamed wash fluid through aplurality of wash lines; and a controller in operative communicationwith the foam generating device, the controller being configured formanipulating one or more foam quality characteristics of the flow offoamed wash fluid based on one or more operating characteristics of thegas turbine engine.
 2. The modular foam cart of claim 1, whereinmanipulating one or more foam quality characteristics includesmanipulating a density of the flow of foamed wash fluid.
 3. The modularfoam cart of claim 1, wherein manipulating one or more foam qualitycharacteristics includes manipulating a temperature or a flow rate ofeither the flow of wash fluid or a flow of air into the foam generatingdevice.
 4. The modular foam cart of claim 1, further comprising a foamquality sensor positioned within the flow of foamed wash fluid proximatethe distribution manifold.
 5. The modular foam cart of claim 1, whereinthe gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of borescope holes and theplurality of wash lines provide fluid communication between thedistribution manifold and the plurality of borescope holes forselectively providing a portion of the flow of foamed wash fluid to thegas turbine engine.
 6. The modular foam cart of claim 1, wherein thedistribution manifold comprises a plurality of valves, wherein each ofthe plurality of valves fluidly connects a respective one of theplurality of wash lines to the foam generating device.
 7. The modularfoam cart of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of valves areoperable independent of one another to provide a first flow of foamthrough a first wash line according to a first spray schedule and asecond flow of foam through a second wash line according to a secondspray schedule, wherein the first spray schedule is different than thesecond spray schedule.
 8. The modular foam cart of claim 7, wherein thefirst spray schedule includes at least one of a magnitude, a velocity, apressure, a temperature, a spray duration, or a time delay associatedwith the application of the first flow of foam, and wherein the secondspray schedule includes at least one of a magnitude, a velocity, apressure of, a temperature, a spray duration, or a time delay associatedwith the application of the second flow of foam.
 9. The modular foamcart of claim 1, wherein the one or more operating characteristics ofthe gas turbine engine comprise a model number of the gas turbineengine, a cleaning history of the gas turbine engine, and a flighthistory of the gas turbine engine, including a flight environment,contaminant exposure, flight altitude, and engine speeds.
 10. A methodfor cleaning a gas turbine engine using a modular foam cart, the modularfoam cart comprising a foam generating device that generates a flow offoamed wash fluid and a distribution manifold for selectively directingthe flow of wash fluid to a plurality of wash lines fluidly coupled tothe gas turbine engine, the method comprising: determining one or moreoperating characteristics of the gas turbine engine; determining a setof wash cycle parameters based at least in part on the one or moreoperating characteristics of the gas turbine engine; and selectivelyproviding the flow of foamed wash fluid to the distribution manifold andthrough the plurality of wash lines according to the determined set ofwash cycle parameters.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the gasturbine engine comprises a compressor section, a combustor section, anda turbine section, the gas turbine engine defining a plurality ofborescope holes located within one or more of the compressor section,the combustor section, and the turbine section, the gas turbine enginefurther comprising one or more inlet nozzles positioned proximate anengine inlet, the method comprising: positioning the plurality of washlines into or through the plurality of borescope holes or the inletnozzles defined by the turbine engine, each of the plurality of washlines being fluidly connected to a respective valve of the distributionmanifold; selectively providing the flow of foamed wash fluid to thedistribution manifold and through one of the plurality of wash linesinto one of the compressor section, the combustor section, the turbinesection, or the engine inlet.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein theset of wash cycle parameters comprises a foam quality characteristic ofthe flow of foamed wash fluid.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: manipulating one or more foam quality characteristics byadjusting at least one of a temperature or a flow rate of either theflow of wash fluid or a flow of air into the foam generating device. 14.The method of claim 10, wherein the gas turbine engine comprises a foamquality sensor positioned proximate to the distribution manifold, themethod further comprising: receiving information indicative of a foamquality of the flow of foamed wash fluid through at least one of theplurality of wash lines using the foam quality sensor.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the set of wash cycle parameters includes at least oneof a magnitude, a velocity, a pressure, a temperature, a spray duration,or a time delay associated with the application of the flow of foamedwash fluid.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or moreoperating characteristics of the gas turbine engine comprise a modelnumber of the gas turbine engine, a cleaning history of the gas turbineengine, and a flight history of the gas turbine engine, including aflight environment, contaminant exposure, flight altitude, and enginespeeds.
 17. A wash system for washing a gas turbine engine, the gasturbine engine comprising a compressor section, a combustor section, anda turbine section, the turbine engine defining a plurality of borescopeholes located within one or more of the compressor section, thecombustor section, and the turbine section, the gas turbine enginefurther comprising one or more inlet nozzles positioned proximate anengine inlet, the wash system comprising: a detergent reservoir forstoring wash fluid; a distribution manifold providing selective fluidcommunication between the detergent reservoir and a plurality of washlines fluidly coupled to the plurality of borescope holes and the inletnozzles; a pump configured for urging a flow of wash fluid from thedetergent reservoir through the distribution manifold and at least oneof the plurality of wash lines; and a controller in operativecommunication with the distribution manifold, the controller beingconfigured for: determining one or more operating characteristics of thegas turbine engine; determining a set of wash cycle parameters based atleast in part on the one or more operating characteristics of the gasturbine engine; and selectively providing the flow of wash fluid to thedistribution manifold and through the plurality of wash lines accordingto the determined set of wash cycle parameters.
 18. The wash system ofclaim 17, further comprising: a foam generating device in fluidcommunication with the pump, the foam generating device being configuredfor aerating the flow of wash fluid to generate a flow of foamed washfluid, wherein the set of wash cycle parameters includes one or morefoam quality characteristics of the flow of foamed wash fluid.
 19. Thewash system of claim 18, wherein the set of wash cycle parametersincludes at least one of a magnitude, a velocity, a pressure, atemperature, a spray duration, or a time delay associated with theapplication of the flow of foamed wash fluid.
 20. The wash system ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more operating characteristics of the gasturbine engine comprise a model number of the gas turbine engine, acleaning history of the gas turbine engine, and a flight history of thegas turbine engine, including a flight environment, contaminantexposure, flight altitude, and engine speeds.